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CONNECTED WORKERS
THE FUTURE IS WEARABLE: EXPLAINING THE ADVANTAGES OF A CONNECTED WORKFORCE
Integrating frontline workers with digital technologies and wearable devices may sound like a scene from the future, yet the “connected workforce” is growing fast. Here, Keith Tilley, Chief Executive at Intoware, explains the benefits
n today's fast-evolving industrial landscape, the concept of the "connected workforce" is becoming increasingly important, driven by digital advancements that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and foster a collaborative working environment.
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But what exactly is a connected workforce? Put simply, the term refers to employees who are seamlessly integrated with digital tools and systems, enabling real-time communication, data sharing, and collaborative problem-solving. This connectivity is not just about having access to the internet or mobile devices, but utilising tools and technologies such as digital workflows to boost productivity and reduce downtime.
The pandemic kickstarted the connected workforce revolution, as employees needed to be able to carry out their roles remotely but, as we’re seeing when we’re out in the field, it’s a movement that’s very much here to stay.
We still see a lot of companies relying on paper-based systems and processes, risking data loss and compliance errors, as well as adding additional administrative time and cost to the workings of a business. Empowering the workforce to become more connected, utilising new technologies, holds numerous benefits – some of which you may not have considered. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of creating a connected workforce is the access to data that an organisation gains. Digital workflows allow companies to see in detail how their team operates and where the bottlenecks are, enabling decision- makers to gather a wealth of data that couldn’t have been imagined just a decade
ago without reams of forms and reports – usually on paper.
This data also allows teams to monitor maintenance requirements, leveraging real- time insights to forecast potential failures and plan better for preventative work, minimising downtime and ensuring better resource management.
As I’ve already outlined, paper-based processes undoubtedly increase the chances of an error – the consequences of which can be huge on a production line, or when carrying out maintenance and repair work. Introducing digital tools and workflows can drastically reduce or even eliminate this issue by making sure each worker has the correct instructions at the touch of a button, and providing data to satisfy compliance and auditory requirements.
Team members can check off each stage of a task or process and document photography and video evidence in real-time so that their supervisor, the auditor or even the customer gains full transparency. Wearable devices take digitalisation to the next level, providing an assisted reality environment in which frontline workers can use voice commands to watch short training videos, access manuals, view mechanical drawings, and even look up spare parts. This somewhat futuristic way of working not only allows employees to follow consistent systems and processes more safely by following standardised processes hands-free, it also has benefits for recruitment and retention. Our customers often report connected working and digital technologies on the frontline helps them appeal to younger workers who are ‘digital natives’ and are comfortable with using mobile technology for daily tasks.
48 JULY/AUGUST 2024 | PROCESS & CONTROL
It’s no secret that the sector is in the grip of a skills crisis. Since the pandemic, the number of people retiring from industry has soared by more than 87,000 people according to Make UK’s Skills 2030 report, meaning the more experienced workforce is declining rapidly, leaving a gap in knowledge and expertise. The same report acknowledges the impact of automation and digitalisation on the industry, stating that six in ten (59%) of manufacturers identify automation as a ‘trend that is changing jobs and skills needs for their business’. Industry needs to be agile in its response, share data quickly and enable collaboration between teams.
By adopting connected worker strategies, companies can harness and help protect the knowledge and expertise of retiring staff before it’s too late, training both future talent and up-skilling workers.
Digital transformation can be daunting. Our advice is always to start with your employees. Get them involved in identifying problem points and prioritise the key challenges. From there, you can assess which technologies or digital processes can help address each problem.
We’d always recommend starting small, too. Efforts aimed at “low hanging fruit” are more likely to see measurable benefits that do not cost so much and secure better employee buy-in.
These smaller projects can then be used as learning exercises and building blocks before scaling up digital solutions, so they are embedded right across your business. To find out more about Intoware’s WorkfloPlus, visit the website below.
Intoware
www.intoware.com
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